The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced that Canada will be increasing its humanitarian assistance funding to help support people affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji. The allocation of $750,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) brings Canada’s total humanitarian funding in response to this crisis to $1 million.

The funding announced today will help UNICEF to respond to urgent needs in the areas of health care, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as to improve access to education facilities and protection services, including psychosocial support for children.

In the days following the cyclone, Canada responded quickly by contributing an initial $250,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Fiji Appeal through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund.

Quotes

“Canada is committed to playing a significant role in responding to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston. The cyclone has claimed the lives of dozens of Fijians, affected some 350,000 people and left many at risk. Through its experienced humanitarian partners, Canada is contributing funding support to ensure that life-saving humanitarian assistance is provided to the most vulnerable people.”

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick facts

On February 20 and 21, 2016, Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston, one of the worst cyclones ever recorded in the South Pacific, cut a path of destruction across Fiji.

Canada is among the top 10 donors to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, which ensures timely and effective response to the needs of those affected by disasters, such as Cyclone Winston.